New S4 Owner with issues, oil leaks mostly

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

This is basically a verbatim post I did on that “other” Audi site. I came here due to the reference of Elite Motorworks on that “other” Audi site. They were pretty nice guys and tried to work with me but in the end, I can’t afford their prices and maybe not even the car I am now in love with. :frowning:

First, I love this car! My previous was a 2001 Lexus GS400 which I loved too but the S4… World of difference!

It’s an 04, Fast Intentions exhaust, lowered, drives like it’s on rails!

http://logichurtz.com/pics/S4/S4_08-2014b.jpg

I got it with 120k on it and it drove like a dream. No rattles, no noises. It’s a weekend car, no rain, no snow.

But now the issues… :frowning:

I never ever imagined how expensive this would be to repair. Since buying it 6 months ago I’ve dumped almost 4k into it. :frowning: First tires, then a 4 wheel align, extra keys.

Last November I started to smell Anti-Freeze. Did research and confirmed, leaks where the plastic meets aluminum. Ok, I’ll deal with that for now.

A few weeks later, oil burning smell. Valve cover gaskets leaking. :confused: Hired an ex Audi tech and paid $440 for new gaskets. One problem resolved.

A few more weeks and suddenly car won’t shift (auto) on it’s own at times and throttle cuts out. Brake sensor.

I left it for the winter but got the bug to get it fixed. Took it to Elite Motorsports in Farmingdale.

Evidently the guy did a bad job on the VCGs and they were leaking again. So… VCGs, both radiators, brake sensor, belt, headlight washer pump, inspection, oil change and a few other odds and end.

Estimate… $3,300 :-o

I left out the washer pump and they agreed to $2,150 for everything else.

Get the car back, great! No more oil smell. Next morning, there’s a puddle under the car. Bring it back to Elite, the Valley Pan gasket is now leaking. They recommend the oil filter housing be change at same time. Estimate? $1,200.

MY WIFE IS ABOUT TO LEAVE ME. I’m a self-employed off-season landscaper and this is just too much for my budget.

Now a question. I only put on 2-3k miles a year. Will it hurt the car to leave this leak until I can afford to fix it? I’ll deal with the puddle in the driveway in some creative way for now.

It’s either that or sell the car. :frowning:

#2

By the way, I live in Bethpage and there is an Auto shop down off Main Street that has my cars twin sister sitting in a lot. Just… sitting there. :o

#3

Whats up man, im sure that was me sending you over here. Ill PM you my phone number and get you in touch with my buddy who does all the work on my car now. For big stuff i go to him, for the smaller stuff i do it with a bunch of buddies. We get together every wednesday night and install shit on each others cars. Everything will be a bit of a drive for you but its worth it. Wednesday night is in Yonkers, my other buddy is in Queens.

You have definitely come to the right place. No need to say other Audi site. There are no moderators here that block anything or ban. Its the people that run this site. Ill let others chime in as im still an amatuer and not near as good as a DIY’er as most on this site.

#4

Yessir it was indeed. I found the thread on the exhaust too and all I can say is … OMFG. Someone should have been canned for that!

It’s like he was stick welding with one hand, texting his GF with the other while watching porn on a computer and talking to his buddies about their plans for Friday night.

#5

Richs4 welcome to the family. Your going to get much better support over here then anywhere else. All I ever say is. If we help help 1 or 2 stranded guys on other forums find help here.

The car issues it sounds like you sorted most of them out and the little ones left shouldn’t be that bad to fix.

I’m not sure 1200 for an oil filter housing makes sense. If you want. Start with some pictures of the oil after 1 night. Then help , as be take some pictures of the oil filter hosing to see why they would want you to replace that.

#6

Hey thanks!

It was $1200 for the VPG & Oil Filter housing. The housing was suggested since they were going to have the car apart already. Their price on that part alone was $450 (give or take)

I am not opposed to working on the car. Hell I owned and operated a bulldozer and backhoe for 9 years and those are not easy to maintain.

I am opposed to touching this car without someone knowledgeable present tho.